I haven't been around in a while, but I'm finally getting around to getting the bird back together and I'm looking forward to being back on the road this summer. I recently worked out some engine issues and the car is running great again! Thanks again to razmataz for the carb help!!!

I have single exhaust. I know this has been done here before, but I have a quote from a local reputable muffler shop for about $450-$550, depending on mufflers, to run dual 2.5 inch exhaust on my 69 convertible. That includes running it above the X crossmember and either an H pipe or X pipe, if there's enough room for an X pipe. This seems pretty reasonable to me.

So now's the time to decide if I want to leave the stock manifolds, put on some shorty headers and deal with the problems they can bring, or spring for some RARE repro longbranch manifolds. The thing is I'm kind of on a budget.

Will headers, longbranch manifolds, and stock manifolds hook up to the exhaust pipe at the same point, or would the pipe need to be shortened for headers? In other words, can I leave the manifolds stock for now and bolt in some headers or longbranches later without modding the exhaust pipe?

No. The pipes are longer for the regular manifolds than either long branch or headers.

Thanks, Jim.

If you use the Pypes system, you would only have to change the down pipes (manifold to x-pipe) if changing to long branch or headers (if you're not welding it together, that is). I've heard that there were some issues with the fitment of the Pypes systems on 1st gens though.

I am going to try a company that is local for me - Classic Exhaust.

http://classicexhaustinc.com/

I am going with a factory dual setup. I should be picking it up this evening from them. $380 (with cash discount, normally $420)

The only thing he does not carry are the reproduction exhaust hangers which I still have to order from Ames today.

I have Hooker Supercomps, X pipe, Flowmaster 40's and exits out the back over the rear axle. Go with an X-pipe. Is it loud, YES

Here is how mine turned out today. Let me know if I included too many pics:

Looks nice! Thanks for the pictures. I will be replacing mine in a month or two, and these will be a great reference.

Where did you get your splitters? I purchased a pair from Ames. I hope they fit well.

Wow, that looks VERY nice. Transverse muffler and all!

Thanks for the compliments.

I got the splitters from Ames as well. They are very nice, a bit pricey, but nice.

Installation of the transverse was no fun. Not much working room. considering this is the first complete exhaust system I have installed, I think it turned out nicely. Now if I can just get rid of the manifold connection leak.

That looks very nice indeed. No adjustments required?

The only adjustment needed from stock was to move the exhaust pipe hangers forward about an inch. That was to ensure the dual exhaust tips did not stick down/out too far. If I didn't, they would look like the picture Thomas has posted that he says he wants to correct. I can take more detailed pics if you need.

Any ideas about the exhaust manifold gasket question I posted Vikki?

Catalina,

that REALLY looks nice! And obviously your factory exhaust splitters fit without modifications... You are right, I had to cut mine to make them look the correct way. But then again in contrast to your´s my system isn´t stock (except the hangers and the factory exhaust splitters... ).

Before:





Now:







Exhaust system:



(Perhaps I should avoid driving through the rain before taking pics... )